Self-guided trip: Starts any day except Tuesday or Saturday from April through October 2018
6 nights/7 days
Daily mileage: From 24 km (15 miles) to 56 km (35 miles)
Starts from and ends in Guingamp
Guingamp is serviced by high-speed train from Paris
Accommodations: 2 options: A (2- and 3-star properties and a non-rated family-run hotel) and A+ (3-star properties and a non-rated hotel of character)
Level: 2 (Easy)
From 705 euros per person sharing a double room

Explore the beautiful northern coast of Brittany! Located in France’s northwest corner, this oft-overlooked area with its rural inland roads and craggy, wave-sculpted coastline is ideally suited for bike touring. This 7-day tour begins and finishes in the historical town of Guingamp. In between, you’ll tour Brittany’s famed pink granite coast, enjoying some of its most popular seaside villages (Tréguier, Perros-Guirec and Ploumanac’h) as well as many of its geological wonders: Sillon de Talbert, Pointe du Château, and Les Septs Îles (the Seven Islands).

You’ll also spend time inland, riding through pastoral settings ornamented with tiny villages steeped in Old World ambience. When not riding, you’ll be eating, savoring
Brittany’s culinary specialties: crêpes, seafood, cheeses and cider, the region’s main drink of choice.

All of the daily rides are relatively short, making this a perfect bicycle tour for riders of all levels.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Guingamp

Your tour begins in Guingamp, a town rich in historic architecture. You’ll lodge in the center of town, allowing for easy access to Guingamp’s main attractions. Have your camera ready for the Basilica Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours. Built in the 13th century, this towering Gothic structure enjoys “historic monument” status and is as impressive inside as it is outside. Later in the day, you’ll meet with one of our local representatives to go over the details of your bicycle tour. Your bikes, in the interim, will be delivered to your hotel.

Pedal north out of Guingamp through the scenic Trieux Valley into Pontrieux. Perched along the banks of the Trieux River, this tiny medieval village is all ‘wow’. Flowers overflow from planters and window boxes, making every view a photo opportunity. From here you’ll veer west, connecting with the Jaudy River before reaching Tréguier. This beautiful port town dates back to the 6th century. Its Old Town section features a labyrinth of narrow streets, walled with stone and half-timbered buildings. The Cathedral Saint-Tugdual is not to be missed. Built in the 14th century, this gothic-style cathedral is considered an architectural masterpiece. Don’t feel rushed to see it all! This is the first of two nights in Tréguier.

Your loop heads north up the peninsula to Sillon de Talbert, the Pointe de l’Armor.” This geological wonder of sand and pebbles is just 35 meters wide and stretches 3 kilometers into the English Channel. From here you can see the Phare des Héaux, one of France’s tallest lighthouses. If the tide is low, a hike along Sillon de Talbert’s narrow spine is highly recommended. The route then turns south, following the eastern edge of the peninsula along the Trieux estuary, famous for its oyster beds. You’ll have the chance to sample some oysters (a Brittany specialty), if you so choose, in Lézardrieux. You’ll also need to choose where to pedal from here. The shorter route wheels back to Tréguier, while the longer route continues on to Paimpol. This popular port town’s cobbled streets are lined with restaurants and cafes, and lead to many noted architectural landmarks.

Today you’ll follow the Jaudy River to the sea, passing along the way through Plouguiel and then eventually reaching Plougrescant. This scenic town is noted for the Chapel of Saint-Gonéry, a classified historical monument. Dating back to the 15th century, it features a tilted spire, lending the chapel a cartoonish look. You’ll continue bicycling up the peninsula following quiet rural roads until the northernmost tip at Pointe du Château. The crashing waves against the craggy point, which is topped by a tall white cross, make for a dramatic scene. And then it’s on to Perros-Guirec, a popular seaside resort noted for its pink granite rocks and its famed former resident, author Joseph Conrad.

The day is yours to do as you please! You can rest your legs and relax in town, or you can go for a short ride. From many years of riding here, we strongly suggest pedaling to and from Ploumanac’h — it will not disappoint. This short loop ride hugs Brittany’s famous pink granite coast, where Salvador Dali-like rock formations tower above the waves at 20 meters high. Before turning back, be sure to check out the Oratory of Saint-Guirec. Nearby lies I’île-Grande, a prominent bird sanctuary. An early return to Perros-Guirec will allow time for a boat tour of the Seven Islands Archipelago (Les Septs Îles). Hailed as the largest bird refuge in France, these rocky, wave-pounded islands are home to 27 bird species and a small rookery of gray seals. Or if you’d rather pass on the boat tour, you can stay in town and relax on one of Perros-Guirec’s famous beaches.

After a morning swim if you choose, saddle up on your bike and wheel south into Lannion. This scenic town, which straddles the River Léguer, is noted for its Old Quarter district. Half-timbered homes and old stone structures line its narrow streets, all of which are overshadowed by the Church of Brélévenez, built in the 12th century. You can visit this structure set high above the town — only by climbing up 143 steps! You’ll then continue south, mirroring the path of the River Léguer, experiencing the sleepy Brittany countryside at its best. Along the way you’ll ride through a pastoral countryside dotted with dreamy hamlets, ancient churches, old world towns and granite crosses at seemingly every intersection. You’ll eventually glide into Guingamp for your last night to devour delicious crêpes!

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, depart Guingamp at the time of your choice.

Booking & Pricing

From 705 per person sharing a double room

This trip is available with one of two options:

Option A: 2 nights in a 3-star property, 2 nights in a non-rated family-run hotel on the marina and 2 nights in a 2-star property facing the sea

705 euros per person in April & October. Single supplement is 250 euros

725 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 255 euros

765 euros per person in July & August. Single supplement is 265 euros

Option A+: 2 nights in a 3-star property, 2 nights in a 3-star property on the marina and 2 nights in a non-rated hotel of character facing the sea

890 euros per person in April & October. Single supplement is 325 euros

915 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 330 euros

950 euros per person in July & August. Single supplement is 340 euros

These prices include:

6 nights' accommodation as described above

Daily breakfast

2 dinners (drinks are not included)

Luggage transfers

Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes

Tourist information

Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s cell number)

All tax and service charges

These prices do not include:

Expenses of a personal nature

Travel Insurance

Bike rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 90 euros per bike.

For further information or reservations:
Please book online or contact us at your earliest convenience as this trip is subject to hotel availability.
Our e-mail address: info@cyclomundo.com